Michael

Back-to-Back Sweeps Behind Velasquez Gem, Bucs Win 2-0 (16-7)

4/23/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Coming off a series in Colorado where the bats posted 33 runs, the offense has been notably quieter during the home series versus Cincinnati. In its place, the pitching has been ELITE! Following the 11 game quality start stretch ending yesterday, Vince Velasquez posted his best startContinue reading “Back-to-Back Sweeps Behind Velasquez Gem, Bucs Win 2-0 (16-7)”

Pirates Pummel Slumping Rockies 14-3 (10-7)

4/17/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Pirates came out swinging against the Rockies, jumping all over the former NL ERA leader Kyle Freeland for 9 runs (7 earned) over his 2.2 innings of work. Rich Hill had some hard contact early but managed to keep the Rockies in check, posting another quality startContinue reading “Pirates Pummel Slumping Rockies 14-3 (10-7)”

Cards Salvage Series Split as Bucs Lose 5-4 (9-7)

4/16/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Pirates led 3-1 going to the bottom of the 6th inning with just 12 outs remaining between them and a rare series victory over the rival Cardinals but they just couldn’t hold it, falling to St. Louis in 10 innings. The Bucs notched 7 hits and 2Continue reading “Cards Salvage Series Split as Bucs Lose 5-4 (9-7)”

Defending Champion Houston Astros Trounce Bucs in Series Opener: (6-4)

4/10/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Reeling from losing Oneil Cruz on Sunday, the Pirates scuffled on Monday night, dropping the opening game of the Astros series 8-2. It was announced earlier in the day that Cruz had surgery to repair his fractured left ankle and would be out for 4 months. RoansyContinue reading “Defending Champion Houston Astros Trounce Bucs in Series Opener: (6-4)”

Pirates Break Out The Lumber, Out-Slug Red Sox 7-6: (2-2)

The Pirates fought back after an early haymaker from the Red Sox to take Game 1 of the series.

Bland Bats Burn Bucs, Drop Rubber Match 3-1 (1-2)

Big story was the Pirates bats, which threatened a handful of times, but were mostly quiet, managing just 7 base-runners in the game.

Aces Wild

So if there is a clear definition of what makes an “Ace,” do all of these names qualify? Or any? Or maybe none? Does it even matter?

Unlocking the “Ke” to Success

Hayes is locked up under contract longer than anyone else on this team. Any chance the Pirates have of making playoffs and being competitive starts and ends with him. A lot of things will have to go right.

Pirates Options in the Outfield

This is a big group of players, and it isn’t even including Endy Rodriguez – who could potentially be used in outfield – or names like Chris Owings and Drew Maggi, who are more likely to play infield but certainly have the capability to man outfield spots.

Assessing the Southpaw Situation

3-10-23 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter The old adage of “never having enough arms” is never more true than when your only proven left-handed relief pitcher goes down with an injury in spring training. Jarlin Garcia, signed this past off-season, appears slated to start the season on the injured list. In recentContinue reading “Assessing the Southpaw Situation”